Away from the well-worn tourist trail, Garfagnana is a beautiful rural enclave flanked by the Apenines and the Alpi Apuane. During your holiday you will discover the picturesque surrounding area on foot, walking from our lodge to the local town of Castiglione and small friendly villages. We spend a whole day exploring the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre, where paths, trains and boats connect the pretty coastal villages and offer amazing views over the Ligurian Sea. Our Italian hosts for the week are known for their hospitality, with superb food and friendly service. Everything ensures that this group tour offers a great insight into traditional Tuscan culture and the delights of this beautiful area.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Braccicorti.

Start at our base, a journey of 2 hours from Pisa airport (depending on traffic).

3Day 3Visit walled city of Barga and the Grotta del Vento (Wind Cave).

In the morning we drive the short distance into the beautiful nearby town of Barga. The Duomo (Cathedral) of Barga, a superb Romanesque Church, has excellent examples of sculptures and lavish carvings, and is set on the fortified hilltop which is the town's focal point; from here there are superb views of the surrounding area, the Serchio Valley and the Apuane Alps. Despite its small size Barga is in fact a city, a title bestowed on it by Benito Mussolini when he became a Freeman there before the war. The cities mediaeval affluence, still visible in the architecture, was due to the success of the town's traders who controlled several important trade routes. In the afternoon we explore the Apuane Alps and visit one of Europe's most complete cave systems, the Grotta del Vento, or 'Wind Cave'. Inside the cave are easy footpaths revealing the underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, waterfalls, crystal lakes and deep emerald-green pools - a huge subterranean network of passages and caverns created over 20 million years. After our visit we return to the lodge and the rest of the day is free to relax by the pool or take a stroll to the nearby village.See more images and videos

4Day 4Discover the historic town of Lucca at your own pace.

Today you will visit the walled city of Lucca. The quiet provincial capital is the perfect place to explore using bicycles rather than cars, as the locals do for getting around the city centre. Historically, Lucca has always been a wealthy city at the heart of a rich agricultural area; a fact that is reflected in its numerous palaces, beautiful churches and fine public buildings. The huge ramparts of the city walls date from the 16th and 17th centuries and are complete, allowing a four-kilometre circuit by foot or bicycle.

A free day to relax by the pool or enjoy a self-guided walk. It is possible to travel by train (approx. 2.5 hours) for a day visit to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance with an enormous wealth of historical sites, museums, galleries, churches and architectural delights. Most of the great artists, thinkers and builders from Renaissance history passed through or lived in Florence when it was under the rule of the Medici family, the most famous patrons of the 16th century. But Florence is not just a Renaissance showpiece: once you have had your fill of the historical trail there are many other things to see and do. The city has not ceased to be a centre of learning, and there is a university, many art and language schools and a large student population to liven up the cafés, restaurants and nightclubs. There are some good flea markets and chic boutiques.

This morning we visit the renowned Castelnuovo market, in the heart of the Garfagnana Valley. The town of Castelnuovo dates back to the 8th century and its vibrant market has played a very important social and economic role in the region since the Middle Ages. In fact no arrests were allowed on market day, for fear of disrupting trade. We then enjoy a walk up to Monte Alfonzo where we will be rewarded with a birdseye view of Castelnuovo and the surrounding mountains before heading down to the small thermal town of Turrite. Back in Castelnuovo we can enjoy an ice cream from one of the many excellent gelaterias.

7Day 7To the famous Cinque Terre for a walk following the stunning Ligurian coast.

We travel to Riomaggiore and the beautiful stretch of coastline called the Cinque Terre. We spend the day on this spectacular coastline, which was brought to fame by Byron and Shelley in the last century. The hills above the villages are criss-crossed by a network of panoramic footpaths linking the villages and little dry-stone-walled vineyards; even in the steepest hamlets there are steps cut into the rock to allow access to the sea. We will walk some of these paths to experience the slow pace of life in these old fishing villages, where there are some excellent trattorias serving local dishes and the dry white and sciacchetra wines for which this area is famous.

What's not included

Accommodation details

Farm House

You will stay at a converted farm house with its own swimming pool (open May - Sept). The house is comprised of 4 en suite twin/double rooms and 2 apartments, each with 1 double/twin and 1 single room, sharing a bathroom. This traditional stone building is tucked away on the lower slopes of the Apennines, on a typical Tuscan farm.
Braccicorti lodge has been renovated keeping the character of the area in mind; there are basic furnishings and rooms are not serviced as you would expect in a hotel.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. Holiday style

This is a very relaxing week where you can enjoy some real Italian hospitality and some gentle walks through this unknown area of Tuscany.
The area is quite hilly and the majority of drives, although short, follow twisty mountain roads through wooden areas. Tuscany can also be very hot, possibly high 30s (degC) in the summer.
The walking undertaken on this trip is on well-maintained tracks and paths at a relaxed pace. On the visit to Castiglione di Garfagnana we walk for approx. 6 hours and on the day visiting the Cinque Terre we walk for up to 5 hours. Some sections on these routes may be a little rough underfoot. The majority of sightseeing is also undertaken on foot.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Breakfast: continental-style with a choice of cereal, bread, yoghurt and milk with an array of teas/coffee.
Lunch: packed lunches.
Dinner: all included evening meals are taken at Braccicorti.
Vegetarians are usually well catered for in this area. Those who require gluten-free diets may want to bring snacks from home, as it is not easy to purchase gluten free products locally.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may still be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is usually better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you thought you knew Tuscany, with it's rolling hills, towering cedar trees and hilltop towns with towers, well think again. There are the hilltop towns, but there are towering mountains, rich forests and deep valleys.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It is very difficult to pick one point as the range of activities were so diverse and each offered something special. The accommodation was excellent. The hospitality from the family was fantastic and Mama's cooking gorgeous,

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Ale, was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable and professional, nothing was too trouble. He made the week an absolute pleasure and very memorable.

This was my first visit to Tuscany... and won't be my last! Garfagnana is a wonderful part of Italy, a little off the beaten track and I loved that it didn't feel I was in a touristy area (other than at Cinque Terre). This trip hits the spot... a good blend of walking, visiting local towns and our day trip to the coast , plus fab home-cooked Tuscan food from Mama!! Vegetarians well-catered for :-)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Beautiful scenery at every turn, with Bracciorti situated between the Appenines and the Alpi Apuanes... some lovely walks, much more enjoyable when we went that bit higher to slightly cooler climes! Lucca was a favourite - a town oozing character - make sure you go up one of the towers for 360 degrees of great views, across the red roofs to the surrounding hillsides. And not forgetting Elvis, the resident dog who accompanied us on most walks, and his playful littermate Dora.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was a great group leader... she ensured that every aspect of the trip ran smoothly. She was very organised, professional, friendly, approachable and I wish I had even a quarter of her energy!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you go in August, be prepared for hot, hot hot!! There is no fan / air-conditioning in the rooms, so I was very relieved to have brought a handheld fan...phew! If you're concerned about going alone, don't be... it is a group holiday and everyone I've met on this and previous trips are there to enjoy the trip, mix with some lovely people and a good time is had by all.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This tour is described as "leisurely" and you although there are outings planned every day, you can make it as energetic or leisurely as you want... plenty opportunities for coffee stops or the obligatory gelateries! Some opt for a lazy day lounging at the pool... it's your holiday, do as you wish. I found the first day's walk to be anything but leisurely, but that was because of the high temperatures.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

What is the food like at Braccicorti?

At Braccicorti, Mamma believes in producing authentic Tuscan cuisine that is simple, yet packed full of flavour. Using seasonal ingredients, such as the 16th Century staple grain Farro and the abundant sweet chestnut, delicious recipes are produced for you to enjoy. Although, traditionally, Italians believe in quality over quantity, Mamma also believes that when something is so good, there should be plenty to satisfy your healthy appetite and enjoys nothing more than seeing you enjoy her creations!

Stefania Aniello - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

You recently looked at

From the social networks

Exodus Travels
Have you herd the news?
Our International Sales Manager and photography enthusiast Andrew Appleyard is just back from the Masai Mara where ... The news from the Mara plains is that the migration has arrived and our International Sales Manager has captured some superb photos of the action... The Great Migration Through a Lens1 day 7 hours ago.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also
someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out
more about how we incorporate
responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you
can help by donating to one of our
responsible travel projects